UAE TEAM LOOKING TO IMPRESS ON HOME SOIL AT NOMURA CUP

(Dubai, UAE) – The top amateur golfers in the United Arab Emirates are ready to test their mettle on the worldwide stage as the Nomura Cup comes to the Middle East for the first time in its 52-year history from October 22- 25.

UAE Team (L-R - Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Coach Greg Holmes and Rashid Hamood)

UAE Team (L-R – Khalid Yousuf, Ahmed Skaik, Coach Greg Holmes and Rashid Hamood)

 The prestigious tournament, taking place at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, provides the opportunity for the UAE team to compete against 26 other amateur teams from countries like: Australia, China, India and Japan which is a fresh and exciting challenge compared to playing close rivals in the Middle East region.

The UAE are taking the Nomura Cup extremely seriously. Coach Greg Holmes decided to travel to Terre Blanch in France with his team members: Khalid Yousuf, Rashid Hamood, Abdulla Al Qubaisi and youngster Ahmed Skaik to visit the European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI), in preparation for the tournament.

The team benefitted from Jean-Jacques Rivet’s biomechanics guidance and advice and Holmes said: “The players were measured physically and any errors that they needed to work on they could do so. They’ve benefited a lot from the trip.”

The UAE team understand the competitiveness of the tournament but they have a point to prove on home turf this year. One member of the team is new to the tournament after successfully making the step-up from the UAE Junior Golf Team.

Ahmed Skaik hopes to make an impact for the senior side in an event where they haven’t experienced much success in previous years. “I hope we show up in this tournament and perform well, we’ve put a lot of preparation in and we’re really looking forward to it,” said the talented Emirati.

The youngster played an invaluable role when the UAE Junior side won the prestigious GCC Championship for the second year in succession at Almouj Golf, The Wave, Muscat, Oman in 2014.

He is now cherishing the opportunity to compete against countries from all over the Asia Pacific region in the Nomura Cup.

“We’re used to playing against the Arab nations,” said Skaik, “but it’s good to play against players from Australia, Japan, China and Korea. They have top players and it’s good to compete and learn from them.”

UAE fans should be buoyant with the form of the team. Khalid Yousuf, the focal point of the UAE side, has had a splendid season. He lifted the President’s Cup for the second time in three years at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club after overcoming Nomura Cup teammate Rashid Hamood. Yousuf has played in the Dubai Desert Classic twice, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters in previous years to gain valuable experience in playing on the big stage.

The UAE go into the event with huge aspirations and confidence. It will be intriguing to see if their performance is as impressive as their preparation deserves.

 The 27 teams competing in the 2015 Nomura Cup:

Australia, Bahrain, China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Tapei, UAE, Indonesia and Iran.

Alan & Sue Kilminster Outshoot A Field Of 100 At Jumeirah Golf Estates

(Dubai, UAE) – The Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) hosted the final leg of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Swing on September 25, 2015, sponsored by Rotana Hotels and GolfLan. As summer is ending and fall is upon us, 100 players (50 teams) took to the Earth Course for a Pairs Texas Scramble shootout.

Winners Alan & Sue Kilminster With Luke Plumb from JGE

Winners Alan & Sue Kilminster With Luke Plumb from JGE

Jumeirah Golf Estates, the home of the DP World Tour Championship – the final tournament of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, was the perfect venue for this talented field. With two courses and a newly renovated clubhouse JGE is a golfers paradise.

After a fantastic day of golf, Alan and Sure Kilminster came out on top of the field by shooting a Net Score of 52. The winners received trophies and a 1-night stay at a Rotana Hotels property.

After a count back and finishing in Second Place was Joseph Ridley and Philip Wooler. The pair shot a 56 net score. The Second Place received a lunch for 2 at a Rotana Hotels property.

Also shooting a 56 Net Score and winning Third Place on a count back was Roger Flemming and Stuart Connor. Third place winners won a lunch for 2 at a Rotana Hotels property.

JGE offered vouchers for the Fourth and Fifth Place teams. Coming in Fourth Place after a count back was Peter and Anne Bauer with a Net Score of 56. Rounding off the top five on a count back was Eric and Melissa Smith with Net Score of 56.

Hole-In-One Winner Hoshi Yadav with Luke Plumb From JGE

Hole-In-One Winner Hoshi Yadav with Luke Plumb From JGE

There were also four on-course prizes given out for the Nearest to the Pin competitions that took place on all four challenging Par 3’s. Nearest to the Pin wasn’t challenging enough of a challenge for one of the junior competitors. Junior Golfer Hoshi Yadav got a Hole-In-One on Hole 4. Nicolas Bruylants won on Hole 6, Colin Gow won on Hole 13, and Jeremiah Kaplan won on Hole 17.

The EGF would like to send a special thanks to the Official Sponsors of the EGF Summer Swing,

Rotana Hotels and Resorts and GolfLan who provided valuable prizes and giveaways for the players. The EGF would also like to thank the JGE and their fine staff for running this event at a top level.

As the EGF Order of Merit starts next month the federation will look to support the Golf Clubs in across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the 2015 – 2016 golf season. For more information on the EGF Order of Merit Calendar please visit the EGF website at www.egfgolf.com.

To see all of the pictures from this event visit the EGF Facebook page at Emirates Golf Federation.

NOMURA CUP SET TO MAKE MIDDLE EAST DEBUT

DUBAI, UAE: One of the world’s most prestigious amateur team events is coming to the Middle East for the first time when Yas Links in Abu Dhabi hosts the Nomura Cup from October 22-25 in what promises to be a thrilling showcase for golf in the UAE.

The 2013 UAE National Team

The 2013 UAE National Team

Some 22 countries have already entered the hotly anticipated tournament, with the field expected to expand to approximately 30 teams in the coming weeks, which would represent a record for the long-established event. The Arab nations have shown great support for the four-day stroke-play tournament and thNOMURA CUP Logo Verticale UAE will be joined by Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia at the stunning Kyle Phillips designed course in October.

Adel Zarouni, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation said: “As we get ever closer to the Nomura Cup teeing off at Yas Links, it is very gratifying for us at the Emirates Golf Federation to see that the number of countries which have confirmed the entries of their teams has risen to 22 and is still, hopefully, rising.

“It is also encouraging that all the golf-playing Arab nations have committed to compete in the tournament, significantly Oman and Jordan, along with Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the UAE.

“The widening interest in the Nomura Cup demonstrates the rapidly rising growth of golf throughout Asia and among the Arab states. I am sure Nomura Cup is going to be a groundPrint-breaking event that will not only create greater involvement in amateur golf across Asia and, in fact, globally, it will also provide the opportunity for the UAE to showcase the emirates as a true worldwide golfing destination.

“I’m certain that the friendly yet determined competition of the Nomura Cup will also show that the UAE not only plays the perfect host to some of the greatest professional tournaments in world golf, that it is able to also stage international amateur events and spotlight the importance of effective and well run junior golf programs.”

The Nomura Cup began life in 1963 as tri-nation tournament in the Philippines when the host nation took on Japan and China. Today, there are 39 member countries affiliated to the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, supported by the R&A. The biennial tournament has been dominated by Australia, who have won the Cup ten times and Japan, who are seven times winners.

The Aussies successfully defended their title at the 2013 Nomura Cup at Santiburi Country Club in Thailand, and they will be fielding another strong team in Abu Dhabi in October, along with Japan, China and Korea.

The 27th Nomura Cup will be hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) under the guidance of EGF Chairman, H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. His Highness has had a strong influence in developing golf within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and bringing prestigious events to the country.

In hosting the 2015 Nomura Cup the EGF has taken another giant step in bringing this prestigious international amateur team event to the UAE, and in the process promoting golf in the region to countries throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Teams currently entered for the 2015 Nomura Cup

1 Australia
2 Bahrain
3 China
4 Chinese Taipei
5 Guam
6 Hong Kong
7 India
8 Japan
9 Jordan
10 Korea
11 Lao
12 Lebanon
13 Malaysia
14 Mongolia
15 New Zealand
16 Oman
17 Pakistan
18 Qatar
19 Saudi Arabia
20 Singapore
21 Thailand
22 UAE

Final: The EGF Junior Summer Camp Ends As The Squad Looks To The Future

(Fleesensee, Germany) – The 2015 Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Junior Summer Camp in Germany has come to a close after 17 days of hard work at Fleesensee Golf Resort. Fleesensee Golf Resort is a “European Tour Destination” with 5 courses varying in length and difficulty. The venue also has some of Europe’s best practice facilities where the squad was able to work on all aspects of their game.

The Junior Squad getting ready for practice in Fleesensee, Germany

The Junior Squad getting ready for practice in Fleesensee, Germany

During the 17 days the EGF coaches, Greg Holmes and David Condon noticed major improvements within the ranks. One particular skill that improved was the confidence gained by the players on how to manage themselves on the course. The aim was to give the less experienced players the opportunity to achieve valuable time on the course. The players also improve their etiquette, pace of play, and course management so that they will cope with tournament golf in the future.

During the camp all aspects of the game we covered and the EGF also launched new Performance Journal that aided the individuals in managing their games in detail. The team played 11 rounds of golf during their stay while mixing in a heavy practice and fitness schedule. The schedule also included golf specific Biomechanics Sessions and Tennis Sessions to improve mobility and coordination skills.

The training schedule included the following points:

  • Introduction to golf formats and rules.
  • How to warm up properly.
  • Putting and short game / Practice drills and performance measurement.
  • Statistics reviews.
  • Swing technique / Golf fitness.
  • Tournament preparation / Course strategy.

As the squad travels back to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the players will take a week off to prepare for the start of school. Starting in the second week of September these players will get back to playing rounds of golf every week while maintaining their weekly practice schedule. This will all be in preparation for the 2015 – Ladies, 18-Under, and 15-Under – Arab Golf Championship in Al Ain, UAE.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Squad visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

De Kock and Schroderus Win 2nd EGF Summer Swing Event In Abu Dhabi

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) – The Abu Dhabi Golf Club (ADGC) hosted the second of three Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Swing events on August 14, 2015. The small but talented field of golfers competed in a Pairs Shamble Stableford format. Westin Hotels & Resorts – Abu Dhabi, who provided great prizes for the winners, sponsored the event.

DSC_0622Winners Chris DeKock and Arto Schroderus

Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s par-72 Championship course that plays host to the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship delivered a tough but fair challenge for the players. Having such great history at this golf club it was a perfect venue for the second leg of the EGF Summer Swing.

Playing a great round of golf, Chris De Kock and Arto Schroderus came out on top winning after a count back with a total of 45 points. The winners received trophies and a 2-night stay at Westin Hotels & Resorts – Abu Dhabi.

Peter Lane and Jermeiah Kaplan finished in second place with 45 points. The second place received a 1-night stay at Westin Hotels & Resorts – Abu Dhabi.

Rounding out the top three was Tim Taylor and Patrick Stevens. The third place team won on a count back after scoring 43 points. Third place won a lunch for 2 at Westin Hotels & Resorts – Abu Dhabi.

During the event there was also two on course challenges for the players to compete in. Peter Lane won both, the Nearest To The Pin on hole 12 and the Longest Drive on Hole 9.

The EGF would like to send a special thanks to the Sponsor of the EGF Summer Swing – Abu Dhabi, Westin Hotels & Resorts – Abu Dhabi. Westin Hotels & Resorts provided valuable prizes making this event exciting. The EGF would also like to thank the ADGC and the fine staff for running this event at a top level.

The EGF will be back in action on September 25, 2015 at Jumierah Golf Estates for the third and final event of the EGF Summer Swing. For more information please contact the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

To see all of the pictures from this event visit the EGF Facebook page at Emirates Golf Federation.

UAE National Junior Squad Departs for Summer Camp in Germany

(Dubai, UAE) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Junior Golf Squad is set to travel to Fleesensee, Germany for a 17 day Summer Camp. With UAE schools still on summer break the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) is taking this time to travel and train with the Junior Squad to prepare for future events.

The UAE National Junior Squad prepares for departure at the Dubai International Airport

The UAE National Junior Squad prepares for departure at the Dubai International Airport

14 players will be training at the European Tour Destination, Golf & Country Club Fleesensse. This facility has four golf courses, one of Europe’s largest practice facilities, a “Golf Arena”, and a PGA Premium Golf School.

The Junior Squad will be working on technical skills in all aspects of the game to improve their tournament play. The team will discuss pre shot routines, course management, tournament preparation, fitness, and mental strengthening. The Junior and Ladies teams will be training for the Arab Golf Championship that will be taking place at Al Ain in the beginning of December.

Traveling with the squad is National Team Head Coach Greg Holmes, Performance Coach David Condon, and EGF Secretary General Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi. Al Shamsi had this to say in regards to the camp, “ this will give these juniors a good opportunity to train at one of the best facilities in Europe. This will also give the players time to train without distraction. This is important for our National Program as we look to make great strides in the near future”.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Squad visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the Summer Camp on social media, as there will be daily posts of the squads’ time in Germany. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Horbury & Van Schalkwyk Win EGF Summer Pairs Open in Al Ain

(Al Ain, UAE) – On July 24 – 25, 2015 the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club (AESGC) hosted the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Pairs Open, supported by Rotana Hotels and GolfLan. 46 players (23 teams) took to the course for this two-day event. With day one played as a Better Ball Stableford and day two played as an Individual Pairs Stableford, the teams had to put together two solid rounds to find themselves in the running for prizes. This event was the first of three events that the EGF will be organizing throughout the 2015 summer.

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Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Summer Pairs Open, supported by Rotana Hotels and GolfLan

 

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club is located in the Oasis City of Al Ain. Playing over 6,800 yards the Championship Course gave the golfers a challenging excursion. The golf club at AESGC is a social hub and was the perfect venue to kick off the EGF summer events.

After a fantastic weekend of golf, Ian Horbury and Anton Van Schalwyk came out on top of the field with a total of 113 points. 41 points came in the first day of play in the Better Ball Stableford format. Scores of 36 and 36 sealed the victory on day two, in the Individual Pairs Stableford format. The winners received trophies and a 2-night stay at a Rotana Hotels property.

Craig Hanson and Theuns Webb finished in second place with 109 points. On day one the pair scored 40 points and followed that with 38 points and 31 points for day two. Second place received a 1-night stay at a Rotana Hotels property.

After a count-back, Arto Schroderus and Chris De Kock placed third with 106 points. With a day one point total of 34 the pair bounced back with 35 points and 37 points for day two. The third place winners won a lunch for 2 at a Rotana Hotels property.

The father and son pairing of Sergio and Sidney De Souza came in forth place with an event total of 106. Finalizing the Top-5 prize giveaways was Graham and Carmen Hurdon with 103 points, after a count-back.

There were also four other prizes given out for the Nearest to the Pin competition on two holes for both days. For day one David Mitchell won on Hole 4 and Sana Tufail won on Hole 17. On day two Nathan Robin won on Hole 7 and Mark Carrington won on Hole 15.

The EGF would like to send a special thanks to the Official Sponsor of the EGF Summer Pairs Open, Rotana Hotels and Resorts and GolfLan. Rotana Hotels provided valuable prizes and GolfLan greeted the players with a great gift bag. The EGF would also like to thank the AESGC and the fine staff for running this event at a top level.

The EGF will be back in action on August 14, 2015 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the second event of the EGF Summer Swing. For more information please contact the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

To see all of the pictures from this event visit the EGF Facebook page at Emirates Golf Federation.

Golf DXB Runs UAE National Summer Camp for the EGF NJDP

(Dubai, UAE) – On July 1 – 3, 2015 Golf DXB hosted a three day summer camp for United Arab Emirate (UAE) Nationals at The Track – Meydan. Working with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), Golf DXB ran a beginning level summer golf camp for 16 Emirati boys and girls. This initiative was generated under the EGF in order to build and produce a successful National Junior Development Program (NJDP).

Golf DXB coaches Marcus and Tom working with children at the UAE National Summer Camp

Golf DXB coaches Marcus and Tom working with children at the UAE National Summer Camp

After the camp the EGF caught up with Golf DXB coaches and they had this to say about working with the kids. “It was a lot of fun working with these children. We got to experience their first time playing golf. It’s always pleasurable as coaches to see children happy and playing a game we care about so much.”

“We wanted the children to get a good understanding for what golf really is. We implemented a lot of physical activity to make sure the children worked on skills such as balance, awareness, speed, and coordination. All of these aspect will produce a good golf swing”, Golf DXB added.

As apart of the EGF the National Junior Development Program has a goal of identifying and developing young UAE National Golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf.

With working with Golf DXB the EGF is able to make the game of golf fun and interactive while trying to produce a future golfer. The long-term goal for these children will be to start taking lessons at their local golf club and then competing for a spot on the UAE National Golf Team.

To find more information regarding the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

EGF Continues To Build the National Junior Development Program

(Dubai, UAE) – On June 13, 2015 the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) hosted a golf orientation for over 20 different Emeriti families at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. As apart of the EGF the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) has a goal of identifying and developing young UAE National Golfers while building good character through the structure of the rules from the game of golf.

Group photo of the families that participated in the EGF Golf Orientation at DCGYC

Group photo of the families that participated in the EGF Golf Orientation at DCGYC

The NJDP was in full swing as the EGF partnered with Golf DXB (Golf DXB has been renamed from Grass Roots Golf) to produce a fun and interactive day for new juniors golfers. Marcus Dunning and Tom Green from Golf DXB had this to say after the orientation. “We are very excited about working closely with the EGF. This will be a terrific venture as we work together to develop junior golf across the United Arab Emirates (UAE)”.

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20 different Emeriti families and 32 kids from the ages of 3 to 9 years old were in attendance for this amazing day. “Today was a great day for the EGF. We wanted to bring families and young kids together to show how much fun golf can be while making it active. It was good to see so much support from the families and we look to build on this on this day”, said EGF Secretary General, Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi.

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With the golf season coming to an end the EGF will stay in contact with these families for possible summer camps and training sessions. Starting in October the EGF will be reaching out to more families and schools while continuing the process of identifying UAE National Golfers.

 

 

To find more information regarding the National Junior Development Program (NJDP) visit the EGF Website at www.egfgolf.com or email the EGF at info@egfgolf.com.

 

You can also keep up to date with the EGF on social media. Like, Share, or Comment on the Federation Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

JGE Honors HH Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi & EGF Board Members With Honorary Memberships

On Thursday, May 14th 2015 HH Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and the rest of the EGF Board Members were presented with Honorary Memberships at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE). This gift of appreciation is to show gratitude for the contribution to JGE and to United Arab Emirates (UAE) Golf.

The EGF Board Members at JGE and ETPI

The EGF Board Members at JGE and ETPI

Upon arrival to the golf club HH Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi was welcomed in customary royal fashion by JGE Senior Management, Abdulaziz Bukhatir, Executive Director and Neal Graham, General Manager, Club Operations. His Highness was then presented with his Honorary Membership. Following the presentation the EGF Board Members where taken on a VIP guided tour of the JGE property.

The tour consisted of a complete excursion through the recently built clubhouse, courtyards, and locker rooms. Once in the locker room the JGE Staff presented His Highness with his personalized branded locker.

After the clubhouse all delegates were carted to the famously know European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI) where EGF Board Members got to see first hand why so many European Tour players train at this facility. With state of the art technology in the swing studios, putting labs, and fitness areas it is easy to understand the influence that this facility will have in the UAE.

“To be here and presented the Honorary Membership is a true privilege. We at the EGF and the UAE National Golf Teams are extremely excited to work with JGE and the ETPI to develop the game of golf in the UAE. This is one of the best facilities in the world and we hope that this golf club will transform golf in this country for many years to come”, said Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the EGF.

Following the tour the EGF had a two-hour board meeting in the clubhouse’s boardroom to discuss upcoming events and other UAE Golf material. To see photos from this day and to stay updated with the EGF follow the Federation on social media.